Thursday, January 21, 2010

Ever wonder what's in our Veggie Stromboli?

Nothing other than deliciously roasted fresh veggies; homemade pesto; feta, mozzarella & parmesancheese, then wrapped in a light casing of my bread dough. And those cookies we bake fresh daily. They're all made with unbleached flour, european style Plugra butter and great ingredients like real Belgium chocolate. I've just developed the most yummy Gluten-Free Brownie and it's available now at Good Earth on 14th St just north of SR 70. Everyone who tasted it couldn't believe it was gluten-free, but it is. I'll start having some available here at the bakery next week.

This is a Mahon pizza (fresh tomato, spinach, red onion) and it was last week's most ordered item. I thought it deserved some recognition for that.

What an anxious week it's been as we've all witnessed the devastation in Haiti. Many of you know Father Ron Joseph who lived & worked in our community for years. He moved back to Haiti a little while ago and oversees the well-being of the children living in the orphanage, built with local support. Dennis Schuermann, Pres of The Ministry of Presence, spoke with Father Ron in Haiti. He reports they are all right although there was some structural damage to the orphanage and they face a serious challenge to feed the children adequately.

Dennis writes: I have a friend who is giving us a 24' box truck to fill and send to Haiti. If you can tell your friends or others you hear wanting to help The Ministry of Presence Inc. has people on the ground there and is making a difference. Any donations are Tax deductible as we are a 501(c)3 organization that has been working in Haiti since 1995. Our address is P.O.Box 784 Oneco FL 34264-0784. Thank you for your prayers and donation.DennisSchuermann President 727-742-0762Peggy Delgato, who has tirelessly worked on behalf of the orphanage for years, is sewing sun-dresses for the little girls. If you'd like to sew along with her, or donate fabric, call her at 592-1257.

On a lighter note, SHE'S BACK...AMY, THAT ISwith big plans for an incredibleVALENTINE'S DINNER to be held right here at Bonni Bakes on SUNDAY FEB14th.

Amy's Southern Comfort Supper Club presents:

Happy Hearts & Hungry Souls

Valentine's DinnerShare the LOVE and a romantic evening with friends and family!

Sunday, Febuary14th

Seating @ 5:30pm & 7:30pm

Special Champagne Toast andHors D' Oeuvres

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Shaved Imported Parmesan Cheese

Homemade Croutons and Creamy Caesar Dressing

Herb Crusted Filet Mignon

Whole Beef Tenderloin grilled to perfection, hand cut and topped

with a Marsala Wine and MushroomSauce

and served with

Captain Kirk's Twice Baked Potato Souffle

andSautéed Seasonal Vegetable

Cupid's Seductive Sweets

by BonniBakes

$69 per couple/$35 per person

All tax and gratuity included!

For reservations please call Amy @ 941-266-4665

Sure makes me hungry just thinking about it. If you can't wait until Feb14th, below is this week's menu at Bonni Bakes.

Hugs from the kitchen,Bonni

BONNI BAKES ALWAYS AN INNOVATOR, CELEBRATING OUR10th YEAR IN THE VILLAGE OF THE ARTSWelcome to my ever evolving eclectic bakery/cafe where I make everything from scratch using the best & freshest ingredients available. We're open for lunch Thur-Sat from 11-2, plus special events and ArtWalks.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

I just came face-to-face with computer Hell. I need to upgrade some software in order to continue sending out my blog but Apple changed operating systems and no longer supports new software for mine. So I bit the bullet and bought a new computer. Sounds good, but until I have a little time to set it up and transfer files, I can't work on it. And so my adorable new little Mac Mini (barely the size of a few decks of cards) sits on the table waiting for me. It probably won't happen until this weekend because too many things are going on.

This Friday & Saturday the Village hosts it's annual STUDIO TOURS from 12-3. It's when participating galleries have demos enabling one to see what really goes on behind the artistic curtain. Look for a list detailing who/what/where when you visit. At Bonni Bakes we'll be balancing the needs of serving lunch during those hours and offering demos. On Friday Anna will be sharing secrets for decorating sugar cookies. Saturday I hope to show how to make those delicious Asian Summer Rolls, if my fingers don't freeze during this brrrrrrrrrrr cold snap.

Then Friday evening from 5-7pm we're celebrating the opening of the Village of the Arts Welcome Center and you're invited to join us. Since I'm directionally challenged they made it easy...it's right next door to Bonni Bakes in the same little building as The Manatee Arts Council (now known as Manatee County Cultural Alliance) 928 12th Street West. It will be staffed by Village folks from 10-4 Tues-Sat to answer questions, showcase items from each gallery and to enhance your visit to the Village. Please stop by.

Now for a little nepotism. My very talented film-maker son Rob has asked for my support, and of course I'm asking you to lend a hand as well. He's a graduate of the FSU Film School. He has written and produced a 2 minute comedy short called "Carpool Therapy" which has been selected as a finalist in a video contest sponsored by Nikon! Rob writes "there are big prizes at stake, and I could use a hand...

If you have two minutes (literally), kick back and enjoy the film. Here's the link: http://www.nikonfestival.com/blog/2009/12/14/carpool-therapy-first-day/

Then please click on a star rating above the video... I'm partial to five stars, myself. Just as important, please help spread the word by sending the link around, telling your colleagues, posting to your blog, ruminating with your shrink, making a macaroni collage for your mom, whatever-- it all helps! Thanks everyone!! And very happy holidays!!! Voting ends Jan 13th. Rob"

I've seen this film and it's very funny...very short...and he could use the prizes. Please vote early & often. Thanks!

Our friends at The Manatee Players are holding another fundraising dinner at Bonni Bakes on Saturday Jan 16 with seatings at 5:30 & 7pm. This time Rick' Kerby's 3-course menu includes a Champagne Toast, hors d'oeuvres, seafood cocktail, wild mushroom risotto, braised lamb shank, roasted vegetables, coffee and decadent desserts. Call them directly at 941-748-5875 to reserve...seating is limited. Can't wait to finally see them established in their new digs.

I know that menu had to make you hungry, but lunch at Bonni Bakes this week is tantalizing in its own way. When the temps fall below 50 I think CHILI and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Even if you don't eat it, just hugging a warm bowl on a cold day can do wonders for your attitude.

About Me

I owned & operated a bakery/cafe in Florida during 1999-2011. Now I have the time to re-create the wonderful baked goods I miss from my childhood in Brooklyn, New York. Join me for the ride and share your own comments and memories.